1. Eldora Mountain Resort
City: Nederland, CO
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (303) 440-8700
Address: 2861 Eldora Ski Road
Description: It’s not Vail or Aspen, but it’s only 21 miles from Boulder and there are no mountain passes or giant ski-traffic jams to slow you down. Eldora is a great little ski area right in Boulder County. It has 12 lifts: 2 quads, 2 triple, 4 double, and 4 surface. With a top elevation of 10,800 feet, Eldora has 1,400 feet of vertical gain—and beautiful views from the top. You’ll probably get more skiing in and less standing in lift lines at Eldora than at the bigger resorts. There’s a ski school, rentals, a lodge, races, leagues, Nordic and telemark trails, and even an RTD bus from Boulder that makes numerous daily trips right to the resort.